Chapter 222.

PART 1.

It has been five years since Avinash took the throne from Porus, and became the king. ever since he has worked hard to quash the civil unrest going on in his country. His efforts paid off; the Subcontinent stabilized after the constant chaos of the civil war which lasted for four years.

There are still a few pockets of resistance, but they are nearing their collapse as well. Porus, Zeko, Raven, and Suresh, all worked hard on the military front to fight the civil war, while Josh, Akshat, and Sagar worked hard on the political front.

Suresh has become the alternative to Raven. Whenever Raven is busy dealing with some matter, Avinash can send the older man to Raven’s place. After his trial period concluded, he proved himself to be a valuable asset. Unlike his previous employer, the king made sure that he was properly rewarded for his services, and he felt that his work was appreciated, just like Master Kishore taught him all those years ago.

After the stabilization, comes rebuilding. The infrastructure of the country has been wrecked. True, there are still some bastions of prosperity, but a majority of the country requires a massive rebuilding project. To acquire the necessary money for this, Avinash plundered the families who rebelled, since they had enough wealth to run a smaller country. Some of his political advisers on the court were not happy with this decision, but he felt that he made the right call. If they are going to rebel at the drop of a hat, then they do not deserve any consideration from him. They have lost against him, so now he will use their resources as he sees fit. Isn’t this the rule by which all the noble families operate?

Now that the country is working on rebuilding itself, and the rebellion has been squashed, Avinash needs to look out for threats from outside. with the help of the Albion navy, the other Asian powers are harassing them. due to the size of their country, they cannot go to war with them directly. But it has become a nuisance to deal with them. not to mention, the increasingly chaotic Zhongguo constantly encroaching upon their territory. They still do not have an emperor after Zuo Chi killed himself, along with all the people who could have replaced him.

“So, here’s the problem.” Concludes Avinash, after explaining all the issues he thinks they need to solve. “What do you think we should do?”

“I suggest we reallocate our resources.” Said Raven. “Also, we need to fight with overwhelming force to show that we are not weak and divided anymore.”

“What kind of reallocation are you suggesting?” asked the king.

“I think we should put Zeko and Porus in the front line, along with myself and Hatori. we need to move him from his position anyway. The reputation of Zeko and Porus still carries weight, so it will be helpful to us if they are seen with us.” said Raven.

“I think we should negotiate first.” Said Josh. “Given the tensions with Albion, I don’t think we can afford to pick more fights.”

“I agree.” Said Raven. “Which is exactly why I suggested to have Zeko and Porus on board. They will be helpful to us in any negotiation. But I do think we have to make those aggressive moves I suggested.”

“I think we will do both,” said Avinash. “Make the necessary preparations.” After saying this, he leaves for the court, which is about to begin shortly.

PART 2.

While Avinash is planning with his generals, Ramya is returning from the Academy for her vacation. Apart from Slaughter and James, she is the top healer there, but even she gets tired of the constant pressure.

She was hoping to find some relaxing time. instead, she found some mysterious letters written by her mother. She takes a peek at them, and what she learns suitably horrifies her.

How can the wife of the former general think of collaborating with the enemy? She went to Avinash with this, and his response did not surprise her.

Anupama is put on house arrest, with strict security to make sure no one can access her. Avinash would have put her in prison, but he has great respect for the late general Sundar, so he is refraining from doing so.

Cursing in annoyance, Ramya laments her lost vacation.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

PART 3.

Shakuntala meets with her informant. “So, do you have the news for me?” she asked.

“Indeed.” Said the masked man. “The undercurrent of unrest is certainly there.”

“Excellent.” She smiled. “Do you have a way to contact them for me?”

“Of course. Though I remind you it will cost you. it is a different service I offer.” Said the masked man.

“I’ll pay.” Said Shakuntala, dismissing his concerns. “Get in contact with them for me.”

The man leaves without answering her. But Shakuntala is not angry. She will succeed where others failed. She will invade the Academy, and destroy her nephew. As a bonus, she will sit on top of the position of headmaster, and control the next generation of this country.

Not even the new king will be able to stop her.

PART 4.

Hatori is packing his bags. Over the last few years, he has turned this area into a peaceful one. after those three powerful mages surrendered to him, there were not many enemies left.

Now, it is time to leave, and hopefully, make sure that Raven won’t give him another position like this one. after giving charge to Badri, who was the previous commander of this area, Hatori leaves for the City of Throne.

He has done his work, so he is not worried about anything. He has also given his plans to Badri, and he is certain that the man will execute them when the need arises. Having worked with him, Badri is sure to recognize the need for those plans in the future should he need them.

Getting off the airship, Hatori goes straight to the castle. The last time he was here, the city was in chaos. But now, the city has returned to its previous state of peace, though some construction projects are going on to repair the damage that it took during that time. even the castle is getting modified.

As he arrives at the court, he comes to face-to-face with his friends for the first time in five years. Josh has grown taller than him, given how huge he looks in his chair. That is saying something since Hatori is not exactly a small person either. Avinash has also grown taller, though he has remained shorter than him. Raven perhaps is the shortest person in the room, though even he has touched the six-foot mark.

“How the hell do you still not have facial hair?” They asked as a first thing.

“I modified myself for that,” said Hatori. “I do have some small ones on my jaw and I do have a small mustache. But no hair on my chin, because it was getting tiring to take care of every time,” said Hatori.

“But you look so odd!” said Avinash, unable to let go of this point.

“Eh. Doesn’t bother me,” said Hatori.

“Anyway, we’ve recalled you because we need your power,” said Avinash.

Then, Raven begins to explain the plan they have come up with to Hatori. once he is caught up on the details, he comments. “I’m glad that you finally realize that I’m a brute. Tell me what to kill, and I’m happy. Position of leadership does not suit me.”

Raven and Josh exchange some coins, while Avinash and Hatori continue to speak, and subtly size each other up. both of them knew that Hatori thinks of himself as a brute, but Josh was the only one who thought he would say it out loud like this.

A few days later, Hatori finds himself stationed on a ship. Porus and Josh are negotiating with Malays, while he and Zeko are the backup firepower. Raven is on the shore at some distance, ready to send the larger naval force should they need the backup.

Hatori protested this decision earlier because he did not have much experience in combat over the sea. But Raven said that he would handle himself just fine. Given that Zeko also thinks the same way, he agreed to this. At least he is not seasick. That would have been bad.

PART 5.

Suresh watches from his camp, as another excursion force from Zhongguo retreats after fighting with him. it is a difficult prospect to fight in these mountains, but given they have thousands of years of fortifications, Suresh can hold on to his advantage, when it is combined with the higher altitude.

However, one group surrenders. When Suresh goes to see them, one of them reveals something interesting and potentially dangerous enough that Suresh does not know how to deal with it.

So, he decides to write a letter. He has come up with the best solution in this situation: kick the problem upstairs, and let someone else deal with it.